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This is Defector, a new sports blog and media company. We made this place together, we own it together, we run it together. Without access, without favor, without discretion, and without interference.

Defector

David Roth

Visitors inspect the exhibitions at the Great American State Fair on June 26, 2026 in Washington, DC. The Freedom 250-backed Great American State Fair celebrating the 250th anniversary of the United States.

Politics

Dead Country Fair

Dave McKenna

Alan Greenspan, Influential Economic Policymaker Whom I Once Terrified At A Party, Is Dead

National Park Service workers push algae towards an aeration area in the center of the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool following the completion of recent renovations in Washington, DC, on June 14, 2026. It looks all fucked up.

Life's Rich Pageant

Promises Made, Promises Kept: The Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool Absolutely Looks Like Shit Now

<p>Staff Writer</p>
<p>Find me on Signal @DefectorChris.19</p>


Chris Thompson

The rusted hulk of RFK Stadium, which is being demolished.

The Commanders’ D.C. Stadium Deal Is An Abomination

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<div class="p-rich_text_section">Tom Scocca is the editor of <a href="http://indignity.net">Indignity</a>, a subscription-supported newsletter of news, essays, and commentary.</div>
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Tom Scocca

Armed members of the National Guard patrol Union Station on August 27, 2025 in Washington, DC.

Margin Of Error

Well, He Sent In The Troops

The Diplomatic Security Service (DSS), Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), Metropolitan Police Department (MPD), and Metro Transit Police Department (MTPD) agents walk on patrol near Nationals Park on August 15, 2025 in Washington, DC. An increased presence of law enforcement has been seen throughout the nation's capital since U.S. President Donald Trump announced plans to deploy federal officers and the U.S. National Guard.

Notes From The D.C. Clampdown

Trump supporters crowd the parade route, with trash everywhere.

Painting The Town Red

Ted Leonsis talks into a Wizards-branded microphone.

Ted Leonsis Finally Abandons Glenn Youngkin’s Doomed Virginia Gambit

An illustration showing a figure run into and out of the frame.

Stories

When The Night You Didn’t Die Never Ends

Alex Pareene

White blossoms covering a tree branch with a line of cars slowly driving on a road in the background.

People Who Caused Traffic Nightmare At Pretty Tree Festival Complain Of Traffic Nightmare At Pretty Tree Festival

<p>Columnist. Author of many <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Drew-Magary/e/B001JS8R52/ref=dp_byline_cont_pop_book_1">fine works of literature</a>, including <em>Point B</em>. Handsomest man in the world.</p>


Drew Magary

WASHINGTON, DC - MARCH 20: Cherry blossoms near peak bloom around the Tidal Basin on March 20, 2023 in Washington, DC.

Funbag

A Half-Assed But Useful Guide To Visiting Washington, D.C.

High School Sports

A Can’t-Lose Proposition: Wilson High Wins 29th D.C. Baseball Title In A Row

Robin Ficker, seen here wearing a Washington Bullets hat and screaming.

NBA Heckler, Friend Of Ali, And Wannabe Governor Robin Ficker Gets Disbarred

Elgin Baylor, The Greatest And Most Important Athlete To Ever Come Out Of Washington, D.C., Is Dead

COLUMBIA, SC - DECEMBER 05: Camden High School students watch the South Carolina High School League Class AAA football championship game at Spring Valley High School on December 5, 2020 in Columbia, South Carolina. The Class AA championship game, between Abbeville and Marion originally scheduled for December 4, was postponed after a team quarantine for COVID-19. (Photo by Sean Rayford/Getty Images)

How D.C.’s Toniest High Schools Are Skirting The City’s Ban On Prep Sports

HOLLY BEACH, LA - AUGUST 27: A damaged stop sign sit among flood water after Hurricane Laura passed through the area August 27, 2020 in Holly Beach, Louisiana. Hurricane Laura came ashore bringing rain and high winds to the South East region of the state causing extensive damage to the area. (Photo by Eric Thayer/Getty Images)